Relief agencies around San Diego County were gearing up to help victims and first responders at a series of wildfires that broke out this week. In addition, many San Diego museums and attractions opened their doors for free. Here's a roundup.
Relief Agencies Offering Help:
The Salvation Army said it deployed two mobile hydration units to serve water, electrolyte drinks, coffee and snacks to first responders and those impacted by the fires. The Salvation Army is taking monetary donations online at sandiego.salvationarmy.org, or by phone at (800) 725-2769. The donors should specify that the money is designated for San Diego fire relief. Donations can be mailed to The Salvation Army Divisional Headquarters, SD Fires, 2320 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101.
With the American Red Cross, San Diego chapter, already in action assisting evacuees, the chapter in Los Angeles plans to dispatch four emergency response vehicles to the region. A group of Red Cross supervisors is also planning to come to San Diego for a one-week period.
The San Diego Blood Bank announced that off-site blood drives have been canceled, and that more cancellations could come over the next few days. Prospective donors are asked to check the organization's website at sandiegobloodbank.org for a schedule updates.
County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk Ernest Dronenburg Jr. announced that property tax relief for homeowners whose property was damaged or destroyed. He said affected properties will be reassessed, and the lower values will remain in effect until repairs or rebuilding are completed. The program is available for homes, mobile homes, outbuildings and commercial or industrial properties. His office will mail applications to affected homeowners, he said.
Free Attractions During Wildfire:
• Mingei Museum offering free admission.
• Balboa Park Japanese Garden offering free admission for kids under 12 with paid adult.
• YMCA offering free childcare at several facilities.
• The Automotive Museum is offering free admission today.
• San Diego Natural History Museum will be free today and tomorrow.
• Japanese Friendship Garden will be free for youth under 12 years old with a paid adult.
• San Diego History Center is offering free admission.
• San Diego Air and Space Museum is offering free general admission to all San Diego County residents (with ID) on May 16.
• Looking for some FREE fun for the weekend? New Children's Museum has four Mass • Creativity art-making workshops taking place throughout San Diego! Check out the full schedule of activities and locations.
Cool Zone Locations:
Cool Zone sites, mostly located in the hottest areas of the county, help older adults and others keep cool and save energy costs. The County of San Diego has provided a listing of 2014 cool zones (PDF).
SDGE Map of Cool Zones: Enter your address or zip code to find the nearest Cool Zone site.
Other Offers of Help:
• U-Haul is offering 30 days of free self-storage and U-Box portable moving and self-storage pods to San Diego County residents who need to evacuate or move their belongings away from ongoing area wildfires.
• Airbnb has waived service fees for those affected by the disaster and checking in between May 14, 2014 and May 28, 2014.
• Eclipse Chocolate is offering free iced tea to anyone who has been displaced by the San Diego fires.
• Fido and Co. Canine Country Club at 1228 University Avenue in Hillcrest, is offering free boarding and pet assistance to anyone affected by the fires. Residents call Fido and Co. at (619) 295-9663.
• The San Diego Humane Society is offering a help line for pets and livestock at (619) 299-0871.
• Holiday Pet Hotel can accommodate 40 dogs and 25 cats. Located at 551 Union Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6754 to confirm availability.
• Pooch Hotel can accommodate dogs, cats, birds and reptiles. Located in Mission Valley at 2120 Camino Del Rio N., San Diego, call 619-491-0239 to confirm availability.
• Petville Pet Hotel can accommodate 60 dogs, 45 cats and small caged animals. Located at 1049 E Mission Road in San Marcos, call 760-745-2759 to confirm availability.
• Rancho Coastal Humane Society can provide temporary care for 20 dogs and 30 cats. Located at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, call 760-753-6413 to confirm availability.
• The Golden Paw can provide temporary care dogs. Located at 5305 Metro Street, Ste. A in San Diego, call 619-299-2730 for availability.
